Puka Nacua once learned that Los Angeles Rams are a minority in their own city when they faced 49ers

Puka Nacua could not believe his eyes when the San Francisco 49ers fans outnumbered the Los Angeles Rams fans during their home game at SoFi Stadium last year.

Puka Nacua once learned that Los Angeles Rams are a minority in their own city when they faced 49ers

Puka Nacua tries to miss a San Francisco 49ers defender (Image via IMAGO)

Puka Nacua experienced a wow moment when rivals San Francisco 49ers came to town. It was the Los Angeles Rams’ first home game of the 2024 NFL season, but Nacua could only see a sea of red spread across the SoFi Stadium in LA.

The Rams weren’t in a great position after losing their first two games to the Detroit Lions and the Arizona Cardinals. Fortunately, their third game was at home and the perfect platform to secure a win.

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Nacua was still recovering from an injury during the Rams’ week 3 fixture against AFC West rivals- the 49ers. The 23-year-old traveled with the team, hoping to see great support from the home crowd. The reality was much different as the Rams players were welcomed with boos in their own backyard.

Like, the lower bowl is already filled up and everybody in the stadium’s wearing red. I’m like, ‘Yo, this is supposed to be our first home game.’ And everybody’s like, ‘Get used to it. When we play the Niners, everybody shows up wearing red.

Puka Nacua told ex-NFL wide receiver Julian Edelman on the Games with Names podcast last week

The 49ers started the game on the front foot. Quarterback Brock Purdy threw multiple touchdowns in the first quarter to receiver Jauan Jennings.

Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford threw one and set up running back Kyren Williams for two on the ground to keep up with the Niners. The game required two 40+ field goals from Joshua Katy to decide the outcome. It finished with the Rams winning the game 27-24.

How much did Puka Nacua spend on his new Rams jersey number?

The Rams assigned the No. 17 jersey to Nacua after selecting him in 2023. He wore the number for two seasons but wanted to switch back to 12—the number he used to wear for BYU in college.

Puka Nacua once learned that the Los Angeles Rams are a minority in their city
Puka Nacua (Image via IMAGO)

However, it’s difficult to change numbers on an NFL team. According to the official league rule book, players need to buy out all the old number jerseys in circulation on the market before the team can launch the new merchandise. It was a massive issue for Nacua.

I am still a fifth-round pick, so I am like, they’re like, $500,000 to switch or jersey. And [I said] I think you forgot when I got drafted… I was like, I don’t have that type of money for a jersey number? No, that’s like no.

Puka Nacua said

The Vegas native later revealed that he should have waited about a month before switching his numbers.

We [the Rams] signed Davante Adams, and everybody is like, you what are you gonna do? And man if I would have waited… like three more weeks [and sell it to Adams].

Puka Nacua added

The Rams signed All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams in the wake of Super Bowl winner Cooper Kupp’s departure to the Seattle Seahawks. Adams is famous for donning the No. 17 at all three NFL teams he has played for in the past: the Green Bay Packers, the Las Vegas Raiders, and the New York Jets.

Initially, Nacua wanted close to $2 million for the number. During an appearance on Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown’s podcast, the Pro Bowler teased the going rate. It was a smart move because Davante Adams wanted that number.

He got Taco Bell, he got [Air] Jordan… Now I’m just going to make sure I text the Jordan guys, ‘Whatever he [Davante Adams] got, I got to get the one that’s slightly better than that. Whatever shoes he’s asking for, whatever gloves are coming out, I’m going to need you to slide those [over]… Two mill could do me a lot.

Puka Nacua revealed

Nacua made about $1.9 million through his rookie deal, as per Over the Cap, in his first two seasons in the NFL. The two million could have come in handy if he hadn’t had a change of heart.

He [Davante] got it for the freeski.

Nacua said

Edelman’s jaw was wide open after hearing the monetary loss. Nacua’s game will only get better, learning from one of the best in the business. He played 11 games in 2024 due to his injury but was only 10 short of 1000 receiving yards from 79 receptions and 3 touchdowns.